A self-driving bus that commenced operation earlier this month as part of a pilot initiative in the Scottish Highlands was vandalized over the weekend.
The 10-passenger Aurrigo Auto-Shuttle was attacked during the early hours of Saturday at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Inverness campus.
The occurrence in a secured section of the reception parking area has been reported to Police Scotland.
Ricky Raines, operational manager at Aurrigo, stated that the damage was “superficial”.
After recalibration, the vehicle resumed operation as part of a trial to enhance transportation links in the area.
The auto-pod. Pic: Aurrigo
In addition to providing transportation throughout the university campus, the auto-shuttle was introduced alongside a four-seater Aurrigo Auto-Pod to minimize travel times between Inverness Airport and the adjacent railway station.
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At present, travelers must walk the entire 1.2km distance between the terminal and train station or utilize the shuttle bus, which incurs a fee unless using the Go-Hi app.
During the trial, the auto-pod will manage approximately 750m of the journey.
The pilot program is set to continue until 30 August.
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Collaborating partners include the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), which recently reintroduced an electric bike scheme in Inverness that had been put on hold in June due to rampant misuse, vandalism, and theft.
HITRANS reported that only six bikes remained operational, with estimated damages of around £100,000.
In response, enhanced security measures have been implemented, including at docking stations to deter forced removal of bicycles and smaller baskets to prevent joyriding.
